Crazy Feet

I think he's smart enough though to know as he moves up the pyramid, he will need better players. He's not going all the way to The Championship, or SPFL with the core of the boys he has had at Darvel and now EK. I'm sure he would take a few with him but realistically he will need a stronger squad to get Clyde up the leagues than what he has at EK.

Might sound daft but would that really be a step up? Seems more like a sideward step. Unless Clyde have a bit of money coming in that can make them successful?

Jesus - league is done already.

Tranent was the toughest draw EK could have gotten at this stage. When you look at Mick's interview after the game, there were no excuses and he came across pretty well imo. He's also been quite critical of some of the displays in the league even after they have won games. Not sure any arrogance has been coming from the management team at EK, certainly publically anyway. Maybe the players were starting to believe their own hype but a result like Saturday can be turned into a positive if it brings them back down to earth and re-focuses them.

The 35s is essentially a summer league. Season is already all but finished.

When I heard The Caley were bringing in the U21 set up with dual contracts etc I thought they were going to have their 21s games on a Friday night. What's the point in having dual contracts if the teams are playing on the same day!? You could have 21s games on Friday night then the ams drafting boys in on a Saturday afternoon to beef the squad up if required like the 20s/Juniors do. There is no modern thinking or common sense at the top of the amateur game unfortunately.

You could talk all day about all the various issues but I think the main problems are: 1) Too many teams and not enough willing participants - simple supply and demand. 2) Lack of flexibility in the afternoon set up. The Central and Caley were always the top leagues and have been for a generation but times change and move on, and unfortunately they haven't adapted with the times. I suspect within 5 years the SMAFA will be the strongest amater league in Scotland. 3) There are still a lot of players who want to play football but they don't want to waste their whole Saturday Afternoon every single week. Morning football and Friday night football is still thriving. 4) West of Scotland League has had an impact too - where decent (not even top) amatuer players can get a couple of quid for playing in a glorfied amateur league. I think the horse might have already bolted for the afternoon leagues. At least the GGPL is trying to adapt by bringing in a morning league next season.

McShane is some player to be fair.

Ian McShane on his way? Or more crap rumours?

What Drumchapel? Amateurs (Caley League) or Utd (Morning)?

At least one of the afternoon leagues has their finger on the pulse.

A shambles but at least he's not keeping possession for possessions sake eh lol

St Josephs look like the team to beat at the moment. First Division would still expect Drumchapel to pip Dunipace come the end of the season.

Mick's football is working fine at a higher level and he will be in League 2 next season. Shouldn't have took the bait with the dinosaur.

I don't think it's a time for d*ck measuring and my league is better than yours carry on. The ammy game (particularly in the afternoon) is in terminal decline. There will be nothing left of it in a handful of years at this rate. We need solutions asap.

Lesmahagow gone now also.

They have always had a big budget though. We can't take anything away from the start Mick and Si have made.

Can anyone stop EK? Early days but they look like they are a level above.

What will be left of the amateur game in 5 years?

Salty tears.

Goodwillie has said he would happily go to court tomorrow to fight his case. If found guilty, he would face jail time.

I think Ashfield will surprise a few this season. Not saying they'll get up but I expect them to be quite comfortable in the league.

Just watched the highlights there the gulf in class was outrageous.

A brilliant start in preseason but won't mean anything if they don't take it into the competitive games.